What to Look For in a Wood Burner Clearance Sale
Efficiency
If you are searching for a sale on wood burners, consider the efficiency of the appliance. The efficiency of a wood burner is the amount of heat that is absorbed by your home instead of going up the chimney. This relates directly to how much you spend on wood for fire and how often you use your wood burner. EPA certified stoves must display the ability to burn and heat efficiently. Find small woodburners that has an EPA listed overall efficiency of 70% or greater to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck. small woodburners means less waste and more money saved on fuel. This means less time stacking and chopping wood, as well fewer trips to your pile of wood in winter snow storms. This means you'll have more time with your family around an inviting fire.
Safety
The majority of wood stoves available today have undergone safety tests. Stoves that haven't been tested include used stoves or antique stoves, as well as stoves made in small, informal welding workshops. Most insurance companies refuse to protect homes with appliances that are not certified.
A stove that is certified will be marked with a label indicating the minimum distance between the stove and combustibles such as walls and furniture. The instructions of the manufacturer for installation will also include this information. Additionally, the manufacturer's test results will show whether the stove is compliant with the fire resistance standard.
Even with proper clearances wood burning tools is still a risk. Children should be kept out of the tools and should not be allowed to be alone in a space where a wood stove is being used. They can be very hot and could cause burns to your skin and clothing within seconds. Be sure to unplug your device when you are not in use.
Safety from fire doesn't only concern building materials, it also includes anything stored in the vicinity of the stove, including rags and cleaning products. Make sure to keep curtains, blankets, and throws away from the open space around the stove.
By using shielding, you can decrease the clearances mentioned above. However, you should always consult the manufacturer's recommended clearances and always err on the safe side. Talk to your local building inspector or officer in case you're not sure if a shielding material is appropriate. They can confirm that it is in compliance with current standards for fire safety. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors around the stove is also an option.